I wonder what in the world Rep. Ron Paul (the only one that voted against the bill) was thinking. "No, I love my spyware!"

If I did your homework for you, then you might pass your class without learning how to write a program like this. Then you might graduate and get your degree without learning how to write a program like this. You might become a professional programmer without knowing how to write a program like this. Someday you might work on a project with me without knowing how to write a program like this. Then I would have to do you serious bodily harm. - Jack Klein

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (AP) - The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday filed the first case in the country against software companies accused of infecting computers with intrusive "spyware" and then trying to sell people the solution.

The commission accused the companies of infecting computers with unsolicited software, showering computer screens with pop-up ads and then trying to get consumers to pay $30 to fix it. It is seeking an injunction to get the companies, owned by the same person, to stop and to offer restitution to consumers.

The agency requested a temporary restraining order from the Federal District Court for New Hampshire against Seismic Entertainment Productions, Smartbot.Net and Sanford Wallace.

This week, the House passed two bills that would outlaw spyware.

That was fast!

"Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are god. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are gods."
-Christopher Hitchens

>>> wonder what in the world Rep. Ron Paul (the only one that voted against the bill)

His point is that it is not the role of the US government to police the internet.

>>> Too bad this won't really affect overseas spyware companies

I'm betting it will not have any impact on US firms that spy on systems outside of the US either. New SCientist figures showed 70% of spyware on EU computers was placed there and is monitored from the US.

Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.

Read my post Cheez. The question was asked earlier in the thread why Senator Ron Paul, the only person who voted against the bill, had done so. I was offering the answer to that particular question. I can supply references if required, but a google will find the statement.

I AM royally fed up with my interceptors telling me again and again that they have blocked yet another attempt to apply predominantly US originated spyware products to my systems. As I said in my previous post though, I doubt any of the current legislation going through the US houses will do anything to prevent that.

If you check, you will find that the story that prompted this thread is only 1 of several current attempts to legislate in this area.

Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.